It's being reported that Sergio Marchionne gave an interview where he said the Durango is being cancelled in favor of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (likely because Jeep brand is sold world-wide). The question I have is WHEN is it being cancelled? ie. does this mean that the 2014 mid-cycle Durango refresh is not happening?

I said that it would be highly dumb of Chrysler to come out with the Grand Wagoner and have the Durango for the same reason why we never will see an SRT Durango and why we never saw an Wranger pick-up.

Jeep is considered by Marchionne to be one of the two “global brands” (along with Alfa Romeo), and Marchionne says that all future products will have a Trail Rated version. The new Liberty, based on the Giulietta architecture, will launch in Detroit next year, with a host of other products to follow. Among them are a new “Jeepster” (a subcompact with an Alfa version), a new Compass and a full-size SUV dubbed the “Grand Wagoneer”.

1. In 2012 they're supposedly stating a a vehicle will be discontinued in 2016, yet they're planning a fascia upgrade, center stack change (to accommodate the 8" Nav), and a new tranny for MY2014?

2. I thought the entire purpose of the Grand Wagoneer was to compete on the high end, not the entry level. So what, the Chrysler group won't have a single 3-row vehicle capable of towing more than 3,600lbs that is priced less than $37,000? I seriously doubt the GW is going to start less than $37,000, which is $8,000 more than the current base price of the Durango.

Seems pretty stupid if you ask me, but it doesn't change my mind to buy a 2014 Durango Citadel.

My guess is you'll see the Durango replaced with something more Explorer like. One of its big failures in mainstream sales (which oddly enough is a big draw for many) is the fact that it's much more of a truck feeling vehicle than a crossover. I expect the next vehicle to fill the Durango's position will be more Explorer like.

Very few people buy 3 row SUVs that can tow a lot. Those that do, can expect to pay through the nose for those vehicles in the coming years. With CAFE regulations, fuel prices going up, etc. it's unlike that we're going to see very many big SUVs with lots of towing ability around much longer.